SHiFT Information

SHiFT exists to break the destructive cycle of children and young people caught up in, or at risk of, crime. Growing up is risky business. If, during this critical period of transition, children and young people don't have the right foundations and support, they can become caught up in cycles of harmful behaviour - becoming exploited or exploiting others, and causing serious, sometimes devastating damage, to themselves or others. Thousands of children and young people in the UK are growing up in such circumstances. Most are both victims of, and cause, serious harm and violence. Most are boys; Black, Brown, and Mixed Heritage children and young people are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system; and the needs and vulnerabilities of girls are often overlooked. SHiFT is determined to change things; for the children we work with and the systems that surround them. SHiFT scales high impact Practices in partnership with public service. We seek to transform policy and practice in how young people in these circumstances are seen and supported. We do whatever it takes to set children and young people up for safe and bright futures. At the heart of SHiFT’s approach is the relationship the child or young person has with a SHiFT Guide. Anchored in the Breaking Cycles Model, SHiFT Guides will provide participants the focused, consistent and effective attention of a highly-skilled practitioner with the time, support, and experience to do “whatever it takes” to build trust and find a connection that can bring change.